Need a good barrel guy...

[Double Trouble]

My favorite Parker, a12 g. 30" twist hammer gun (one of the Folsom "Trap Guns" discussed in an earlier thread) has me worried !

Granted, I'm the worrying type - but in addition to the moderate pitting in my bores, there appears to be a linear mark that must be either one of two things: corrosion that's occurring along the interface of two adjacent strips of metal that make up the twist steel (hence the linear pattern), or a crack between two adjacent strips of metal.

(This "line" does not run parallel to the bore's axis, it's a semi-circular "line" that spans an arc of approx. 100 degrees.)

My fear is that it might be a crack, and one of these days - it might separate & my left barrel might look more like an overstretched Slinky !

I've shot the gun for years (using quality RST ammo), and it shoots like a typical Parker: Great !

Dewey Vicknair is too busy - he said he can't take on any more work at this time. So, my question is :

Who should I send the gun to so they can inspect this "defect ?"

Does anyone know of a 'smith who has a bore scope, or other advanced means of checking this out ? Granted, a trained eye will probably suffice, but if modern instruments or testing techniques are possessed (x-ray, mag particle, dye penetrant, etc.) by someone - I'd like to send it to them...

I'm in PA, but if it needs to be shipped - it's just a little more money to ship it just about anywhere in the lower 48...


Please let me know your suggestions, or if these "lines" are commonly seen in twist (vs.. Damascus) barrels.

Many thanks !!!!!!!

John

[Hammer Gun]

John, Whatever you should not shoot it till you get a qualified smith to look at it. I have one sort of like what you speak of it follows the twist pattern for a bout an inch. Have not shot the gun, let me know what you find out Thanks Gary

[Double Trouble]

Will do. Thanks Gary.

[todd allen]

What about having Briley's (or someone similar) line it with modern steel? I have often wondered about this fix, for questionable condition Damascus.

[Dean Romig]

John, send yout barrels to Kirk Merrington. He's possibly the best barrel man on the continent.

[Double Trouble]

Thanks Dean.

[Harry Collins]

You might contact www.bacheldermastergunmakers.com Brad does wonderful work and has a relatively quick turn around.

Harry

[Double Trouble]

Thanks Harry - I'll contact both of them.

John

[Herb]

Try Nick Makinson, he has a Michigan shipping address.

[Bill Murphy]

Many apparent defects in composite barrels are not defects in the body of the barrel. I owned a Diamond Grade Daly that has what looked like a linear defect which followed the pattern of the weld. One serious buyer turned the gun down based on the apparent defect. Long story short, the barrel turned out to be sound and the gun has since sold, not by me, for around $8000 or a bit more. I personally don't know how to test these guns for integrity of barrels, but don't depend on a first look.